I was born in Elyria, Ohio, a Norman Rockwell theme park of 25,000 people (at that time) 25 miles west of Cleveland. You could say I grew up in the furniture business. My father owned the city's largest furniture store, a credit operation that advertised heavily. He and my mother both came from furniture families. Both of my grandparents were in the business, so were most of my father's seven brothers and my mother's two brothers and three sisters (all in different cities through the midwest). In another age, someone might have gotten the bright idea to make all these stores into a chain, but chains weren't common in those days. Anyhow, I spent my off time in high school working in my father's store, unpacking furniture, selling it and even helping to deliver it. I learned a lot about business, retailing, advertising, buying,, etc. I also learned that I didn't want to spend my life in a furniture store in Elyria, Ohio.

At age 18, I left home for four years of college at in Evanston, Il.. During the last two years of my college career, I was editor of the Northwestern University student magazine. While at NU, I minored in history and science. I also discovered Uno's Pizzeria in Chicago, long before it became a national chain. After I graduated, I moved to New York City, where I attended where my teachers were the editors of the New York Times and my classroom was the city itself. Eight million stories, you know. Fifteen million if you count the 'burbs. .

I spent six months in the Army Reserve. Looking at my two degrees in journalism, my superiors decided I would make a perfect cook. So I was sent to Army Cook school. They had a simple rule there: You make it, you eat it. Because of that rule, and because I am a picky eater, I graduated first in my class. I then became a cook at Fort Dix, where I worked in a mess hall that fed 3,000 soldiers at every meal. The worst meal, as far as the cooks were concerned, was lunch. We had to gather at 3:30 a.m. to make 6,000 hamburger patties.

When I came off active military duty, I settled in New York City. I lived in the city, on Long Island and in Westchester County for a total of about 15 years. I moved to Maine in 1976. Remind me to tell you how and why--it's quite a story. I now live on the coast of Maine about an-hour-and-a-half north of Portland, in a house I designed. I am married to Catherine (Cathy), a 4th grade teacher and we have a 10-year-old son Nicholas. I also have a daughter, Lauren, who is a social worker in upstate New York. Other family members include a Border Terrier named Gracie, one cat, usually called Cat and Bun-Buns the bunny..

In addition to my free-lance work, I am currently secretary of the Camden Technology Conference (CTC). Every October, CTC holds a three-day conference which draws 500 people from all over the country to hear outstanding speakers talk about the social impact of computer and Internet technology. (www.camcon.org). I am also a guest columnist at Camden's Internet Station, a remarkable web site that perfectly captures the area. (www.ligature.com).

More about me ...When I Was a Nine-to-Fiver...Personal Stuff...Things That Fascinate Me...How Others Rate My Work...Gathering Dust in My Closet...The 15 Commandments of Good Writing...Notable People I've Met ..How to Hire Me...Professional References...